China, Iran urge Afghanistan to end restrictions on women’s education, work

In a joint statement, China and Iran called on Afghanistan to stop restricting women’s education and work. Since 2021, girls were banned from attending universities.

Since taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban has banned women and girls from universities and schools after the sixth grade and forced out those in elected offices and other prominent positions.

"The two sides ... called on the Afghan rulers to form an inclusive government in which all ethnic groups and political groups actually participate, and cancel all discriminatory measures against women, ethnic minorities and other religions," the statement said, adding that the U.S. and its NATO allies "should be responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan."